Keep Your Sparkle: How to Clean Your Jewelry at Home & Why it’s Important
Whether it's a treasured Montana Sapphire ring or your everyday diamond studs, regular cleaning is essential to keeping your jewelry looking its best—and protecting it in the long run. You may be surprised how much of a difference a little at-home care can make.
Why Cleaning Matters for Jewelry Integrity
Jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed—but daily life brings along dust, lotion, soap residue, and oil from your skin. Over time, this buildup can cause more than just dull sparkle:
Dirt and grime can wedge underneath prongs or bezels, putting pressure on the settings and increasing the risk of a stone loosening or falling out.
Buildup behind a gemstone can block light, especially with sapphires and diamonds, making the stone appear darker or lifeless.
In some cases, unseen debris can cause tiny scratches over time, especially if you're regularly active while wearing your jewelry.
Just like a clean window lets in more light, a clean gemstone shines brighter.
A Simple At-Home Cleaning Routine (For Sapphires and Diamonds)
Luckily, you don't need fancy equipment to clean your jewelry at home. For most sapphire and diamond jewelry, this gentle method is both safe and effective:
What You'll Need:
A bowl of lukewarm water
A few drops of gentle dish soap (like Dawn)
A soft-bristled toothbrush (a baby toothbrush works perfectly)
A soft, clean cloth for drying
How to Clean:
Mix the dish soap into the lukewarm water to create a soapy solution.
Let your jewelry soak in the bowl for about 10–15 minutes to loosen dirt and oils.
Gently scrub the piece using the toothbrush, paying special attention to the underside of the stone, prongs, and around the setting, where buildup often hides.
Rinse thoroughly under lukewarm water.
Pat dry with a clean, lint-free cloth—and enjoy that fresh sparkle!
💡 Pro Tip: Always clean jewelry over a bowl, not an open sink. It's just not worth the risk!
A Word of Caution: Know Your Stones
This cleaning method is ideal for Montana Sapphires, Yogo Sapphires, and diamonds—hard gemstones that can safely handle mild soap and gentle brushing.
However, not all gemstones are as tough. Softer stones, such as opals, turquoise, emeralds, and pearls, can be damaged by even mild soap or prolonged soaking. If you're unsure about the type of stone you have, it's best to consult a professional before attempting to clean it yourself.
When to See a Professional
If your jewelry still looks dull after cleaning, it may need a deeper cleaning (like ultrasonic or steam cleaning), or it may be time for a prong check or professional inspection. We recommend having your jewelry inspected by a trusted jeweler at least once a year—just like a dental check-up but for your gems.
At Stephen Isley Jewelry, we love seeing Montana Sapphires shine their brightest. Regular cleaning isn't just about beauty—it's essential for maintaining the strength, security, and longevity of your heirloom jewelry, ensuring it remains ready to be worn for years to come.
If you have questions about cleaning a specific piece or stone, please don't hesitate to contact us—we're happy to help!
